AMVAC, an American Vanguard Company, announced completion of on-farm testing in five states for its new SIMPAS prescriptive application system.
Set to launch commercially through select Trimble dealers in 2021, SIMPAS (Smart Integrated Multi-Product Prescription Application System) enables farmers to precisely and variably apply up to three, in-furrow crop inputs while planting. Based on prescriptions developed by agronomists, SIMPAS precisely delivers the exact rate of each SIMPAS-applied product solution (nematicide, fungicide, micronutrient, insecticide, inoculant, or biological) in each appropriate management zone, using a patented metering system to apply only the right product, at the right time, at the right place, at the right rate.
Farmers and retailers tested the systems in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Arkansas. Participating retailers include: Asmus Farm Supply, Harvest Land Co-op, Helena Agri-Enterprises, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Simplot Grower Solutions.
"We've conducted individual component tests on thousands of acres, but this is the first time multiple farmers have had an opportunity to use across their entire farms, the same equipment that we'll be selling next year," said Rick Rice, Director of Application Technology for AMVAC.
"Farmers are not only seeing how the system performs, but they'll also begin to understand how multiple SIMPAS-applied product solutions boost crop yields. SIMPAS makes it easy and affordable to treat problem areas that haven't been getting the attention they need, when previously the entire field had to be treated to fix the problem areas," said Rice.
SIMPAS utilizes closed delivery system SmartCartridge containers to apply dry and/or liquid products. Each row unit on the planter is equipped to variably apply products from three individual cartridges, and the system can be installed on virtually any make or model of planter. SmartCartridge containers can be quickly inserted into each cartridge receiver for fast changeovers while the planter is stopped for seed and/or fertilizer refills.
"SIMPAS uses software to apply products from multiple SmartCartridge containers in a manner that's similar to the way a printer applies ink from multiple color cartridges," Rice explains. "Each SmartCartridge is equipped with an RFID-enabled SmartTag, which records the amount of product that remains in each container. Farmers simply return all the cartridges, regardless of how much product remains, to their retailer after planting and they'll only pay for what they applied."
SmartCartridge containers will be filled at select SIMPAS-applied Solutions (SaS) retailer locations using AMVAC's proprietary SmartFill equipment. After being returned to the retailer, each container will be refilled and reused. This eliminates container and product disposal issues and reduces environmental impact.
Remote Support Overcomes COVID-19 Hurdles
"Personal support is key to new product testing and development, but COVID-19 travel restrictions and social distancing requirements made that challenging in 2020. However, we've been able to highlight our ability to support each system remotely, even when we can't be there in person," Rice said. "Our product specialists have become 'virtual' passengers in the tractor cabs. With a farmer's permission, they can connect to and monitor SIMPAS operations from anywhere with a cell phone signal. While it's been essential during the COVID-19 restrictions, the ability to provide remote support, rather than waiting for an in-person technician visit, is just one more aspect of 'easy', that's been built into SIMPAS."
For the latest information on SIMPAS, please visit www.simpas.com.
Investor Information
William A. Kuser, Director of Investor Relations
(949) 260-1200
williamk@amvac-chemical.com